Zach Randolph

The assumption on the part of most Trailblazer fans seems to be that if they select Greg Oden (as expected), then Zach Randolph will become available. Moving out Randolph would both clear up playing time for LaMarcus Aldridge and prevent Randolph from "poisoning" the young players, or so the reasoning goes.

Whatever his flaws, Randolph can definitely fill up the stat sheet (per game averages of 23.6 points, 10.1 rebounds this past season), and the 76'ers could definitely use a low-post scoring threat. Any chance that the Sixers could get him without giving up any of their key players (Igoudala, Miller, Dalembert, Korver)? Unfortunately, it doesn't seem likely.

Playing around on the ESPN Trade Machine, you can put together a package that works (Randolph for a "starting line-up" of back-up players: Steven Hunter, Shavlik Randolph, Rodney Carney, Willie Green, and Kevin Ollie), but it seems unlikely that Portland would be interested in our spare parts. On the other hand, it all depends on how badly Portland wants to ship out Randolph. By trading Randolph, the Blazers would get some quicker salary relief, as only Willie Green's contract has as much time remaining (5 years) as Randolph's contract.

Another possibility would be for the Sixers to draft an NBA ready small forward (Jeff Green and Al Thornton are two players who fit the bill and whom the Sixers are supposedly interested in already), making Korver available as part of the package. With the Trailblazers likely to be centered on Gred Oden for the next decade, they might find real value in having a sharpshooter like Korver on their roster (plus, Oden would be able to cover for Korver's defensive deficiencies).

I have zero reason to believe that something like this is on anyone's radar screen. Nor, as I said, do I think it likely that Portland would be that interested. On the other hand, I can dream, can't I?